There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park.Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad.

Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just satand watched the people go by.She never tried to speak. She never said a word.Many people passed by her, but no one would stop.

The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to seeif the little girl would still be there.

Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was yesterday,and still with the same sad look in her eyes.

Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl.For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for youngchildren to play alone.

As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress. Itwas grotesquely shaped.

I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made noeffort to speak to her. Deformities are a low blow to our society and, heaven forbid if you make a step toward assisting someone who is different.

As I got closer, the little girl lowered her eyes slightly to avoidmy intent stare. As I approached her, I could see the shape of her backmore clearly. She was grotesquely shaped in a humped over form.I smiled to let her know it was OK, I was there to help, to talk.

I sat down beside her and opened with a simple, 'Hello.'

The little girl acted shocked, and stammered a 'hi '; after a longStare into my eyes.

I smiled and she shyly smiled back.

We talked until darkness fell and the park was completely empty. Iasked the girl why she was so sad.

The little girl looked at me with a sad face said, 'Because, I'mDifferent.'

... and Chuck... we all love you so dearly. There are times when all of us have drawn strength and comfort from your words just when we needed them most. You have a knack of saying just the right thing at the right time.

Megan; You are so Precious. I guess the man with all the words is at a loss to find any. You and all the others here, my Friends. Thank you for your well wished. they are much appreciated. At the moment; I am hurting to much to think. But THANK YOU.